Christmas Gifts

I have learned over the many years of Christmas shopping that it is much easier to collect gifts throughout the year than to buy everything in December. It is not only easier on the wallet, but easier to complete my shopping list too! I love being able to think, "oh, this would be a perfect gift for ___!" and snag the item in the summer months. Maybe I am just weird, but it works for me.

A few weeks ago, I ventured into the tornado (aka my guest room closet) and dug out all the gifts I had collected the past 12 months. Here is what it looked like:
After 3 hours of wrapping gifts and sorting them into piles, I ended up with this:So, yes, all of the family and friend Christmas shopping is done and most everything is wrapped. I have one or two little things to pick up for Mark. Now it is time to enjoy the Christmas spirit....and my favorite part, giving these gifts to the people I love!

Secret Santa

Every year at Christmas time, the Lower School staff at the school I work at does Secret Santa. It is always so much fun! I got a really great person this year so finding little treats for her was easy!

The rules are simple. You are to give four little gifts throughout the week and give a bigger gift on Friday at the Secret Santa party. You don't know who your person is until the big reveal on Friday. Many people write little poems or write in different handwriting to try to be sneaky.

My Secret Santa has already been very generous to me. Yesterday I got an adorable stack of note pads and today I got a lighted Christmas tree that plugs in the side of your computer. I can't wait to see what tomorrow morning will bring!

Here is what I got my Secret Santa (the pic above is everything wrapped). On her idea sheet she listed relaxing things, candy, books, and Christmas items so I got her all of the above. I hope she likes her gifts!

It's Christmas!

It is officially Christmas at our house! Mark bought an amazing, very tall, tree at a local place. Mark had to work so I put up all the decorations and decorated the Christmas tree all while listening to Christmas music on the TV.
I tried my hand at a Martha Stewart idea from her magazine and I think it actually looks really pretty!
I am using this picture on our Christmas card but I love it so much I had to post it here too! I couldn't believe that I actually got both dogs to sit next to one another and to sit still long enough for me to take a picture of them next to the tree. My little furry babies are adorable!
I love how our little house looks this time of year!

Thanksgiving #2 in Georgia

Mark and I took our first trip together on an airplane this Thanksgiving (crazy, huh?). We went to Kingsland, Georgia to visit his sister and her family. His sister, Alicia, had her third baby in late August so I was excited to get to meet Caroline and hold her. Alicia and Tim were so kind to let me hold her, feed her, change her diaper and her clothes for the majority of the 2 days we were there. I got my baby fill and loved every minute of it! Caroline couldn't be more precious.
Mark got to hold her too (while I was napping or showering).
We also got to spend time with our nephews, Mark and Luke. I got to do a lot of reading to the boys which made my very happy. Uncle Mark took the boys on a nature walk and bought them a duck hunting game that they loved playing.

Alicia and Tim prepared a delicious Thanksgiving meal for us. Here is Tim's turkey - it looked as good as it tasted! We also had cornbread stuffing, cranberries, rolls, and mashed potatoes.
Alicia and Tim took us to one of their favorite seafood restaurants the night before Thanksgiving. It is on the water and provided for a great view of boats and the sun setting.
Mark and I even got a good picture together!Mark and I were afraid of the boys falling in the water so we all thought it was best to head back to the restaurant. The boys, of course, ran there.
Lonestar, their dog, also loved our attention. She especially loves Mark. We let Lonestar sleep in our bed with us as a treat for her. We are used to Bandera sleeping with us so we would have been lonely without a dog!
We had such a nice time in GA and can't wait to go back! We love you Alicia, Tim, Mark, Luke, Caroline and Lonestar!

Free! (or almost free)

The Black Friday weekend allowed me to find some great deals!

First, there was an online Walmart deal. I was to purchase this gift set for $10.83 (with free shipping) and I would be reimbursed $10. So I got all of this for just 83 cents and it was delivered to my house!
Mark desperately needed some new Polo shirts. He has tried the Target and Old Navy Polos but just doesn't like them as much as the real thing. Lucky for us, there is a Polo outlet store in Allen. I went there during Black Friday weekend and they were having an "everything in the store is 30% off" sale. Yay! So I got each of these for $36 (they are usually $75 in a retail store).
While in the outlet mall, I saw Liz Claiborne was closing their store and selling everything for 80% off. I am not usually a Liz shopper, but I can't help an 80% off sign so I stopped in. I got these really cute pants for work for $19! They were normally $70.

My Amazing Friend

I have many amazing, special friends but my friend Jordan has exhibited true generosity this year and it has really touched my heart. I can't think of a better way to let him know (other than telling him, but he doesn't believe me) than writing a blog post about him!

Jordan and I became friends our senior year at Vanderbilt. A whopping 8 years later, we are still great friends. I always make a stop in Orange County to visit Jordan while visiting my brother in California. He and I share a love/hate relationship with Snackwell cookies, are both obsessed with airplane cleanliness, enjoy apple martinis, and love to people watch. My face usually hurts after spending a few hours with Jordan because we laugh so much together. This is one of our favorite pictures together (with Steve - miss you!) -- maybe because it was taken in our early 20's......What makes Jordan special is that he isn't just kind, caring, and generous to me and our other close friends, but he is this way with everyone. In the past year he has shaved his head and grown a mustache in an attempt to raise money to support cancer.

Early this year, Jordan's friend's nephew, Marcelino, lost his hair due to cancer. What did Jordan and his friend Skooter do to show their support? Shave their heads! Now, anyone who knows Jordan knows he is a bit obsessed with his hair cut and styling so this was truly an act of kindness. I was blown away by this.
Most recently, Jordan decided to participate in Movember to support further research for prostate cancer. The men who decide to do this typically grow a mustache to show their support while raising money. Jordan grew a mustache and has raised over $800 in a single month. Amazing! You can still donate to his page here.Needless to say, Jordan is a great friend, uncle, brother, and son to everyone who knows him but I wanted to share his greatness with everyone else! Jordan, thank you for being my friend for so many years. You are one amazing guy!

An Early Thanksgiving

My parents hosted an early Thanksgiving since Mark and I will be in Georgia visiting his sister and her family and because my brother came in a week early since ticket prices were lower than if he came over the real holiday weekend. My Mom was kind enough to also invite Mark's parents and our friends, Doug, Becky, and Charlotte. It was quite a feast!
My Mom is an excellent cook. We had our traditional Thanksgiving meal complete with pie and apple/berry crisp for dessert. Mark's parents brought his favorite, cornbread dressing, and Becky provided the wine.The table looked beautiful! It was obvious that my Mom had worked very hard for this event.
Charlotte kept everyone entertained. She loved putting stickers on Drew's arm and then ripping them off. My Dad also brought out Cha Cha the monkey. This is a puppet that was a childhood favorite of mine. My Dad had not lost his touch with Cha Cha. Charlotte was scared but eventually warmed up to the puppet and even gave the monkey a kiss. It was very cute.

We all enjoyed the dinner since this is what the kitchen looked like after we finished eating. My Mom insisted she didn't want our help cleaning up even though she told me it took her 2 hours to clean it all (with my Dad's help, of course) - yikes!

Free! (or almost free)

I didn't go grocery shopping this week since we are leaving town for Thanksgiving so nothing to report in that department. I was a little sad not visiting CVS, Walgreens and the grocery stores!!! I'll be back next weekend though so watch out!

I did manage to score two great deals this week. First, I went to Old Navy. They were running their additional 50% off clearance prices again. I had a 30% off coupon as well so I got a bunch of really cute long sleeve t-shirts for just over a $1 each. Long sleeve t-shirts are my winter weekend uniform so I need new ones every year. I was so pleased - much better than paying almost $10 each!
I also got a great deal on this duvet at Macy's on Sunday. We need a new one for our bed and I have been shopping for this item for awhile now. Macy's had them at 60% off and I had a 10% off coupon. This duvet was originally $380 and I got it down to $138. But, better yet, we had wedding gift cards to use so after those, I paid $40 out of pocket for this wonderful and luxurious duvet. Not too bad!

Cake Decorating Class #3

Cake decorating class #3 was all about cupcakes. We learned a ton of different types of frosting techniques and then practiced them on the cupcakes. I know these are hideous looking cupcakes but I tried to squeeze as many designs as possible on the tops for practice! No matter how they look, they still taste great!

I learned how to do a shaggy mum, rosette (I am terrible at this!), shell, pointy flower, 3D flower and different leaf designs. I have lots to practice before my next class where we have to put everything we have learned together to make and design a final cake!

Consumer Research: Coupon Lovers vs. Coupon Avoiders

My brother sent me this information and I found it so interesting! I fit quite a few of the demographics listed for a coupon lover -- guess it's official (as if I, and everyone close to me, didn't already know that!!!). I LOVE COUPONS!!!!

A recent consumer research study by Deals.com and MyType set out to profile the demographics and psychographics of 8,500 online coupon “lovers” and “avoiders.”

If you assume the typical “coupon lover” is a lower income, bingo jockey housewife with her hair in curlers and a cigarette hanging out of her mouth, think again. Here’s what the study found:

Demographic and Psychographic Profile of the Coupon “Lover”

• High household income (those pulling in over $100K per year are roughly 2x more likely to be coupon lovers)
• College educated (78% more likely)
• “Extroverted” and “imaginative” personality types (47% and 25% more likely, respectively)
• Female (no surprise here, 67% more likely than males)
• “Green” conscious (37% more likely, is it because online coupon codes are better for the environment)
• Believe that social responsibility is the most important element of a good work culture (a whopping 151% more likely)
• Parents (48% more likely)
• Northeasterners (66% more likely than West Coasters)
• Devoutly religious (31% more likely)
• Libertarians (47% more likely and that’s libertarians, not librarians)

In addition, coupon lovers are 220% more likely than coupon avoiders to highly value tradition, and 96% more likely to highly value self-direction.

Demographic and Psychographic Profile of the Coupon “Avoider”

• “Insecure” or “Temperamental” personality types (33% more likely to be coupon avoiders)
• Detached, sophisticated, careless and procrastinators (each at least 20% more likely)
• Men (27% more likely)
• Insecure, low-income men (130% more likely)

The researchers were surprised at the findings, expecting to see more online coupon lovers among lower income earners and more avoidance with higher incomes and education.

Perception of the Battle of the Bulge

Isn't it funny how different people perceive weight? This struck me this morning after I weighed in at the school nurse's office in front of two other women.

My work implemented a Wellness Committee last year in order to help the school employees adopt a healthier life style. Although they do care about our health, I think it is mostly to help with insurance costs. In order to get the lower insurance coverage (a whopping $750 difference a year), I have to earn a certain number of points. Points are earned by exercising, doing different school sponsored health activities, etc. This year, I was lucky enough to earn the cheaper rate because my height, weight, and BMI was all within normal limits. Whew!

All of this being said, I was asked to join the Wellness Committee last week. One of the other members dropped out. This isn't a big honor or anything, but I am happy they asked me! The committee helps motivates the rest of the staff to participate in the events. It's the little things that make me happy! I am hoping it will get me in gear to lose a few pounds.

One of the Wellness Committee plans was to do a "Maintain, Don't Gain" program over the holidays. From Nov. 18 - Jan. 1 you are only allowed to gain 2 lbs. If you stay within these limits, you earn 20 points. I decided to go ahead and do it even though I was terrified to jump on the scale.

This brings me back to how different people perceive weight....

I feel fat today. My clothes don't feel good on me. I don't think I look cute or pretty. I feel kind of sad. I didn't want to step on the scale after eating breakfast and stopping at Starbucks for a Skinny Vanilla Latte. But, I did it.

There were two other women in the nurses office as I complained of getting on the scale. They both said, "Are you kidding? I would kill to look like you! You have nothing to complain about." In my head, I thought, "what? you want to look fat?"

This made me realize something. I may think I am fat (since I am fitting into my "fat pants" quite well these days) but to others who struggle with much greater weight issues, I am not. Even by health standards, I am healthy. So why is it that women everywhere (including me) beat themselves down when they aren't a small size? Shouldn't I/we be happy we are healthy and focus on improvement rather than personal hate?

So, with all of this being said, I am not only going to try not to gain any more weight over the holiday season, but I am going to try to lose a few pounds too. Nothing drastic, crazy, or depriving (everyone knows this girl loves her sweets!!!), but I am going to make an effort to watch what I eat and exercise more. But, after this morning's little reminder that the grass is always greener on the other side, I am going to also try to appreciate what I am now.

Cake Decorating Class #2

I had so much fun at this week's cake decorating class! We were to bring two batches of frosting and a cake to class. There, we learned how to color the frosting, how to use piping gel to transfer a design, how to smooth the cake's frosting, and how to use a few more frosting tips. We ended up making a design with all of the day's teachings. I chose a cupcake....big surprise! There is just something about cupcakes that I love. Plus, a cupcake on top of cake, could I ask for anything more?!?!?

I decided to use the remaining frosting and try my hand at a second cake on Sunday. I wanted to bring my friend who just had a baby something yummy so I did the fish pattern. I didn't like it as much as the cupcake but I am still practicing! Practice makes perfect, right?

Free! (or almost free)

I beat my own record this week! I saved 63% at Kroger this weekend!!!! I spent $11 total on all of our groceries for the week. I was lucky to have a few free item coupons so that really helped.

Here is everything I got:

I also made out like a bandit at CVS. I needed some concealer and figured I would try the L'Oreal brand since I really like the foundation I bought awhile back. While looking, I found nail polish at 75% off. It cost $1.23 a bottle so I couldn't resist! I got the Advil for free. I spent $7.63 total at CVS which is amazing since the concealer usually costs $12 by itself. Whoo Hoo!

So, I got everything below for TOTALLY FREE this week!!!

A Sad Bandera

Bandera always gets worried when a suitcase comes out of the closet. As Mark was packing his suitcase Monday morning, Bandera started to worry. She was laying on the bed while Mark packed. Mark asked Bandera if she wanted to go with him and next thing I knew, she was in the suitcase (Mark put her there, of course!). I had to get my camera and snap a few shots since it was so cute. Bandera didn't leave the comfort of the suitcase until Mark made her get out. I think she really wanted to go with him!

Cake Decorating Class #1

I had my first cake decorating class on Saturday morning. It was so much fun! I am taking it with a friend from work. She asked two of her friends from church to join us so it makes it lots of girlie fun. Our teacher is a lady with lots of cake decorating experience. She works for Wilton but gives us good tips that aren't Wilton related too.

It was a lot of information on Saturday and not a lot of actual decorating. We went through the cake decorating manual, examined all of our materials, learned how to make decorator icing (apparently different than icing I have always made), and learned how to properly put icing on a cake. We also then learned how to do the star tip. We practiced on the sugar cookies we were to bring to class. I just played around and after some practice, I wasn't too bad at it!
I think Mark must have taken a bite out of one of the "M" cookies because I didn't -- they were hard as a rock so probably didn't taste great. Slice and bakes never taste as good as homemade!

We have to bring 2 cakes and 2 batches of icing to the next class for we are learning how to decorate a cake! I can't wait -- I just hope I am OK at it and don't have something terrible to show.

Free! (or almost free)

I had a great shopping trip to Walgreens this week. I ended up with all of this for just $8. I needed all those Crisco bars and cake mixes for my cake decorating class. I figured I would stock up on sugar and flour while it was on super sale, especially since the holidays are coming up!

Homemade Bread

I have always wanted to make homemade bread. I felt inspired after deciding to make Mark a "welcome home" dinner on Friday night. Doug, Becky and Charlotte joined in the fun. It wasn't even that hard, just took some time. I felt like I pioneer woman as I kneaded the dough. None of us could get enough of the yummy bread. Even Charlotte liked it!

Free! (or almost free)

This week, my mom tipped me off to a Kroger location going out of business. The entire store (or what was left of it) was 40% off. An hour of searching every shelf allowed me to get a lot of items that I would normally never buy for just $28! I got a bit produce, a few organic frozen items, and some things that I don't ever have coupons for. I was thrilled!
I also got a $2 Panera Bread Company gift card in the mail (I took a 3 minute survey) and a totally free pack of gum!I also scored some great deals at Target this week but forgot to take pictures. I got a roll of gift wrap for 48 cents, some ribbon for 24 cents, and a box of 3D sidewalk child for Mark's nephews on sale for $2.48 (originally $10!).

Wedding Album

Most people get their wedding album shortly after their wedding, but not us! 1.5 years later, I finally completed the album and it arrived on our doorstep this week. I love how it turned out.My brother was kind enough to give us our wedding album as our wedding gift. I found a Groupon for photo albums and had my brother get it. It is called A & I books and they did an AMAZING job!

I had so much fun organizing it and picking pictures. It brought me back to my high school days when I was co-editor of the school yearbook. Gosh did I love laying out pages (yep, nerd alert!). I probably spent nearly 10 hours laying out this album but, it turned out just as I had hoped and it will serve has a wonderful keepsake of our wonderful wedding day!

Halloweenies and Vampire Blood

Mark and I joined forces with Doug and Becky this year to celebrate Halloween. We had a great time! Charlotte came over wearing her cat costume. She looked adorable though didn't really make the connection that saying "trick or treat" meant she got candy.

We really wanted her to go trick or treating on our street so we could enjoy her candy but she wasn't up to it this year. Charlotte did love her sour gummies and 3 Musketeers!

We set up on our driveway. We pulled out lawn chairs, put the pumpkins in the bed of Mark's truck, turned on the Rangers game, grabbed the candy and waited for the trick or treaters!

The guys grilled so we were able to eat while we waited. The former 2nd grade teacher in me resurfaced...I couldn't help myself but to name all of our food in the spirit of Halloween. We ate Halloweenies (brats and chicken sausages), Vampire Blood (red wine), skeleton's kneecaps (chips), zombie guts (ranch dip), and beans for brains (BBQ beans). It was a tasty meal and lots of fun to eat too! We laughed when Doug asked Becky for more Vampire Blood. I appreciated him getting into the spirit of things!

Charlotte was only really scared of one trick or treater who was dressed up as a headless man. It was the best costume all night. She liked tickling us with her cat tail the best. Mark was, of course, her favorite "victim."

I wanted Mark to take a Halloween picture with me, but he hates pictures so we didn't get a good one. I decided to be silly while Becky took a picture of us. Guess she caught Mark as he was about to eat some candy!

It was a wonderful Halloween spent with our great friends! And best of all (or worst of all, depends on who you ask!), we were left with only a handful or two of candy.